Swimming-paddle.



0. SPRADLING. SWIMMING PADDLB. APPLICATION FILED JUNE 5, 1914.

1,1 1 5,343. Patented Oct. 27, 1914.

Clive ZZ-J'pmd Zing,

abhor/mug THE NORRIS PETERS CO4, PHOTU-LlTh-t WASHINGTON. D. C

.or rod 11 on the free end of CLIVE A, SPRADLI'NG, 0F BATTLE CREEK, MICHIEGAN.

SWIMMING-PADDLE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct.- 27, 191 1,

Application filed. June 5, 1914. Serial No. 843,320.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, CLIVE A. SPRADLING, a citizen of the United States, residing at Battle Creek, in the county of Calhoun and State of Michigan, have invented new and useful Improvements in Swimming-Paddles, of which the following is a specification.

An object of the invention is to provide a paddle for use by swimmers in advancing themselves through the water.

The invention contemplates, among other features, the provision of a simple and effective paddle, one of which is adapted to be carried in each hand by the swimmer and whereby, in the use of the paddles, the advancement of the swimmer through the water will be increased and facilitated over the usual method of swimming by means of the hands and feet.

In the further disclosure of the invention reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, constituting a part of this specification, in which similar characters of reference denote corresponding parts in all the views, and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the paddle; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through the paddle; and Fig. 3 is an enlarged bottom plan view showing the manner of mounting one of the paddle members.

Referring more particularly to the views, I provide a handle 10 which carries a bar which is sup ported a concave frame 12 formed of a rim l3 and radial pieces 1st, thus providing segmental openings 15 in the frame. Paddle members 16 normally close the openings 15 and lie against the under side of the frame and the said paddle members are arranged to swing on the frame by means of suitable hinges 1'? connecting the paddle members 16 with the rim 13 of the frame. It will thus be seen that the free ends of the paddle members will be nearest to the center of the frame, and it will be apparent that when the structure mentioned is held by the handle and advanced through the water the paddle members 16 will swing open to permit the water to rush through the openings 15, whereas when a backward pull is exerted on the device the paddle members 16 will swing into closed position, and the paddle members and frame acting as a cup will resist the backward pull through the water, thus advancing the swimmer.

Mounted to slide on the bar 11 is a collar 18 carrying a spider 19 provided with eyelets 20 to which are connected the inner ends of helical springs 21 having their outer ends connected to plates 22 of an angle iron configuration and which plates are secured to the paddle members 16 adjacent the hinges 17 so as to permit the springs to act upon the paddle members and aid in swinging the same relatively to the frame when the device is advanced through the water. In order to increase or decrease the tension of the springs, thus increasing or decreasing the tendency of the paddle members to swing relatively to the frame, a set screw 23 is arranged in threaded engagement with the collar 18 and passes therethrough to engage the bar 11 and hold the collar in an adjusted position. By advancing or retreating the collar and spider upon the bar the tension of the springs will be correspondingly decreased or increased.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that the device described is of a simple construction; that in the use of the same one of the paddles is held in each hand and as one is moved forwardly the other is moved backwardly, the forward movement being adapted to open the paddle members and permit the paddle to be brought into a position which will be the extended position of the arm of the swimmer and whereby the paddle is arranged so that upon retreating the same the paddle members will be closed in order to resist the action of the water and advance the swimmer therein, and'it will be further apparent that the structure, consisting of few and simple parts, can be cheaply manufactured to accomplish the desired result.

It will be understood that locks of any desirable form or means can be employed in place of the set screw to secure the collar in an adjusted position on the bar.

Having thus described my invention, 1 claim:

1. In a paddle, the combination with a handle, of a bar thereon, a frame on the bar, paddle members mounted to swing on the frame, a collar slidable on the bar, means for securing the collar in an adjusted position, a spider supported by the collar, and

springs having connection with the spider and with the said paddle members, the adjustment of the collar on the bar being adapted to increase or decrease the tension of the said springs.

2. In a paddle, the combination with a handle, of a bar thereon, a concave frame on the free end of the bar, segmental shaped paddle members mounted to swing on the frame and closing openings therein, a spider adjustable on the bar, and springs connecting with the spider and the paddle members, whereby the swinging action of the paddle members can be increased or decreased by the adjustment of the spider on the bar.

3. In a paddle, the combination with a bar, of a frame thereon, paddle members mounted to swing on the frame to close openings therein, and means adjustable on the bar and connecting with the paddle members whereby the swinging of the paddle members on the said frame can be increased or, decreased.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

OLIVE A. SPRADLING.

Witnesses:

ALEXANDER FILKINS, FRANK J. BURGESS.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C. 

